Social Justice Task Force to Assist World Relief with Welcome Kits for Migrants
Since 2022, Chicagoland has become the new home for more than 35,000 migrants from Central America who have taken a journey to avoid political persecution in their home countries. And more are coming. According to Crain’s Chicago Business, “In 2024 we anticipate seeing a record number of refugees and asylum seekers in Chicagoland”. No matter where they come from or our political stand, they are here. And they are in great need. Agencies are working diligently to create services to meet the growing needs.
One such agency is World Relief Chicagoland. Their mission is “World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization whose mission is to empower the local church to serve the most vulnerable. World Relief Chicagoland office is in Carol Stream and their work is local. They operate a welcome center and provide many services for the refugee families. In the last 6 months, World Relief Chicagoland has been able to settle 183 families in the local area. They are asking for help.
Welcome Kits are their top need. These are “a bundle of all the essential items needed for newly arriving refugees as they start their new life here in Chicagoland”. The Social Justice Task Force will begin to collect items in June to help World Relief create the Welcome Kits. While the agency would like full kits, they understand that any help in putting together the kits is helpful. The list of items needed can be either new or “gently used.” The list of items needed will be available at OSUMC starting on Sunday May 5 but our collection of items will not begin until June 1. We will also add a list on the OSUMC Website – OSUMC.ORG of the requested items. You may also donate cash or gift cards that we can use to purchase the items on the list after June 1.
Declaration against Racism
As a congregation of the United Methodist Church, we believe that racism is incompatible with Christian teaching. Our faith informs us that we are all created in the image and likeness of God. We all share the same human nature and dignity. Thus, we firmly believe racism is a sin against God and all of God’s children. Thus, we affirm our commitment to recognizing, addressing and dismantling all forms of racism. We will purposefully strive to live our community life as an inclusive community, welcoming persons from all walks of life. We affirm the United Methodist’s call to Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors. And we invite everyone to join hands with us as we press forward in transforming our Church, our communities, and our world into the “beloved community," where everyone is accepted, valued, and welcomed for who they are.
Our Saviour’s United Methodist Church